Safety Tips for Pontoon Boats
Stay Safe on Your Next Pontoon Ride
Pontoon boats offer up a ton of summer fun, from cruising across the bay to setting up shop at your favourite fishing spot. These are some of the safest boats out their due to their sturdy construction and high sides – but accidents still happen. With a little preparation, you can help prevent or reduce safety issues when you go boating.
Read below to learn more about pontoon boats, including how to ensure that your next boating trip is hazard-free.
What is a Pontoon Boat?
When you check out our showroom, you’ll see plenty of types of boats – one of which is the pontoon boat. This boat is named after the structures it relies on in order to float, called pontoons. These are typically log-shaped buoyant materials that allow the boat to peacefully glide through the water at a slow or moderate pace.
Due to the slower speed of pontoon boats, these are often used for peaceful and recreational activities like sightseeing or social events.
How Does It Differ From a Regular Speed Boat?
Pontoons mainly differ due to their shape. Pontoons are known for having a flat bottom with a few tubes supporting the boat, while other boats are shaped for speedy driving. Additionally, pontoon boats tend not to cost as much as boats that are meant for more specific uses, though this will ultimately depend on which pontoon boat you choose.
Are Pontoons Safer Than Other Boats?
Many boat riders would argue that pontoon boats are one of the safest that you can buy. These boats are easy to drive, have a low risk of flipping or tipping over, and are weighted evenly due to their pontoon base. Plus, as a passenger, you can generally move all over the boat without making the boat uneven.
However, your safety does not entirely depend on the type of boat you choose. Safety is based on your actions as a passenger or driver – it is up to you to act in a way that prioritizes your safety and the safety of those around you.
Types of Dangers With Pontoons
Even though pontoon boats are relatively safe, you should still have safety at the top of your mind.
For starters, you should pay close attention to the weather forecast. Pontoon boats are typically not well-equipped to handle storms and become dangerous in these scenarios.
Some drivers may need to get used to the steering and handling approach that is needed for a pontoon boat – these tend to feel different from other types of boats.
Since many of the activities taking place are social or recreational and may involve alcohol, you might let your guard down as a passenger. Drowning is a major cause of concern when it comes to these boats.
Best Ways to Stay Safe on a Pontoon Boat
As a passenger, it is important to have general first aid equipment and floating devices on board, as drowning is a particular common accident associated with these boats.
Passengers should always have an emergency exit plan. During collisions, pontoons tend to be the boat that is more easily destructible.
As a driver, it is important to practice proper steering methods and not ‘overdo it’ as if the boat was a speedboat.
Read more tips below.
List of Safety Equipment
All pontoon boats should be equipped with the proper safety equipment. With the right gear, you will be able to handle many different emergency scenarios. If someone falls overboard, rescue them with a life ring and a rope attached to your boat. Use a swimmer in the water flag to alert nearby boats that they need to leave you plenty of space. If your engine fails, an anchor and line will keep you in place until help arrives.
For other emergencies, you’ll want to pack an emergency preparedness kit that includes:
Radio
Signal flares
Compass
Waterproof map
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Finally, make sure each passenger aboard your vessel is wearing a life jacket. Yes, strong swimmers still need one. First, it sets a good example for any kids aboard. Second, they could get knocked unconscious or injured in a crash and need flotation assistance.
Check the Weather
Pontoons are sturdy boats, but they are not built for withstanding rough weather conditions. Always check the weather before you head out on the water. Stay off the water if there is an expected storm, even if it is a small chance of one. Storms can occur quite abruptly and you don’t want to risk getting caught in one.
The weather can also affect how you dress for the adventure. Prepare for high heat by wearing lightweight clothing and bring along extra water and sunscreen. Brace yourselves against the cold by wearing multiple layers. If there is a possibility of light rain, pack along with waterproof layers. By planning ahead, you can reduce the chance that the weather will decrease anyone’s fun.
Compliance with Government Rules
There are rules relating to operating pontoon boats in Ontario. Some rules related to driving, such as which boaters have the right-of-way. Some rules correspond to what you can do with your boat, such as restrictions for towing. Others have to do with driver requirements, like what boating license or insurance you need to operate pontoons. Make sure you are compliant with all the rules before taking your pontoon out.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is all about doing what you can to reduce safety risks. Many of the rules are the same as driving a car on the highway. The driver needs to stay alert, sober, and awake. Driving drowsy or impaired is a big safety threat to yourself and those around you.
While you drive, leave plenty of space in regards to the other boats. Many boating-related accidents happen because of boats colliding. As you drive, keep an eye out for hazards (like large sticks) that can damage your engine.
Many pontoons can reach high speeds, but be intentional about how fast you go. Slow down when you approach other boats, take turns, etc. Steer carefully. Head home before it gets too dark so you can dock with some daylight.
For everything related to pontoon boats in Ontario, visit Dunfords of Havelock. Need new parts? Get replacements with our parts department. Looking to trade in your old boat? We will assess the value of your vessel. Boat not running right? Bring it to our service department. Want to store your boat for the season somewhere that is secure, pest-free, and dry? We offer storage options. Considering buying a boat? We offer a range of new and used pontoon boats. We proudly serve those in the Peterborough/Havelock area.
Powered by Froala Editor